In an editorial in the Millennial Star from May 1845, we find the following discussion about the atonement:
The Blood of Christ
In Order to guard
against heresy in doctrine by those who are occasionally over zealous, and who
do not use sufficient caution in their addresses to the public, we beg leave to
make a remark or two with regard to the important subject at the head of this article.
We read that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin: and most
assuredly it does. Jesus Christ has paid the debt for the human family, but it
is left to themselves to make that atonement applicable to them individually.
The Lord requires obedience from us in order that we may enjoy the remission of
our sins, which he has purchased by his blood; but let no one make a mistake in
this important subject, by supposing that the mere act of baptism is an
atonement, for it would be totally inefficacious unless the blood of the
Saviour had been shed for us. It is as it were as if we were greatly indebted
to some one, together with the multitude surrounding us, and an individual pays
the debt of the whole, but before we are allowed to enjoy the privilege of the
liquidation, we are to acknowledge the payment, and give credit to him who has
been our daysman, and who has answered the obligation that devolved upon us. (Millennial
Star volume
5 no. 12 (May 1845):200)
I stumbled upon this just today while doing research for a
work-related project. I think this is a great summary of the centrality and the efficacy of the
atonement, including how it is the sole meritorious cause of salvation, and how
even ordinances, such as baptism, are wholly dependent upon their efficacy because
of, not independent of, the atonement (they are instrumental cause, but
not meritorious cause [which the atonement is]).
I discuss such issues in greater detail (including a discussion of
various “causes” [instrumental; meritorious; efficient; formal; final] and how
it relates to baptism) in my book:
“Born of Water and of the Spirit”: The Biblical Evidence for Baptismal Regeneration (Amazon)